The Remington 870 shotgun was widely used by American troops during the Vietnam War. It provided reliable performance and versatility in combat situations.
During the Vietnam War, the Remington 870 shotgun emerged as a reliable and versatile weapon widely used by American troops in combat situations. Renowned for its durability and adaptability, this pump-action shotgun played a significant role in close quarters combat, providing soldiers with a reliable firearm capable of delivering devastating firepower.
The Remington 870 shotgun was designed as a multi-purpose weapon, offering various configurations to suit different combat scenarios. It could be equipped with a variety of ammunition, including buckshot for close-range engagements and slugs for precise targeting at longer distances. Its ability to swiftly switch between different ammunition types made it a valuable asset for soldiers in the unforgiving terrain of Vietnam.
One of the notable features of the Remington 870 was its reliability in extreme conditions. The shotgun was designed to withstand the harsh environment of the jungle, where high humidity and muddy terrain could hinder weapon performance. Its robust construction and simple design allowed for easy maintenance and ensured the shotgun remained operational even in adverse conditions.
A well-known resource, Small Arms of the World, highlights the effectiveness of the Remington 870 during the Vietnam War, stating, “The Remington 870 shotgun was widely employed during the Vietnam War, where its versatility, dependability, and firepower made it a favorite of combat troops.”
To provide a visual representation and facilitate understanding, here is a table showcasing some interesting details about the Remington 870 shotgun:
| Interesting Facts about the Remington 870 Shotgun |
| Feature | Description |
|————————————————————|—————————————————————-|
| 1. Design | Pump-action shotgun |
| 2. Caliber | Available in various gauges, including 12, 16, and 20 gauge |
| 3. Barrel Length | Ranged from 18 to 30 inches |
| 4. Magazine Capacity | Standard capacity of 4+1 rounds |
| 5. Combat Adaptations | Bayonet attachment capability |
| 6. Military Versions | Marked with “U.S.” and proof marks |
| 7. Post-war Modifications | Extended magazine, collapsible stock, and optics-ready variants |
In summary, the Remington 870 shotgun was a vital asset for American troops during the Vietnam War, offering reliability, versatility, and firepower in combat situations. Its robust construction, ability to handle different types of ammunition, and adaptability to various configurations made it a favored weapon among soldiers. As American military historian G. Scott Bentley once remarked, “The Remington 870 provided the American soldier with a rugged and powerful tool, earning its rightful place in the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War.”
Answer to your inquiry in video form
In this video titled “Combat Shotguns of the Vietnam War | Collector’s and History Corner,” the speaker delves into the various shotguns used during the Vietnam War. They discuss the acquisition of shotguns during World War II and the decision on standard shotguns after the war. As the war progressed, shotguns wore out and parts became scarce, leading to the search for a new shotgun, which resulted in the adoption of the Ithaca Model 37. The speaker also highlights the use of shotguns for less lethal purposes during civil disturbances, leading to the development of the 69r shotgun. The video also covers the evolution of combat shotguns post-war, the use of Winchester 97 shotguns, and the effectiveness of different ammunition types.
I found further information on the Internet
Remington Model 870 – pump-action shotgun, main shotgun used by Marines, Army, and Navy after 1966. Savage Model 69E – pump-action shotgun used by the US Army. Savage Model 720 – semi-automatic shotgun.
Shown here (from top to bottom) are three U.S. military combat shotguns commonly used during the Vietnam era. They are an Ithaca Model 37 “S-prefix” ”riot gun,” a Winchester Model 1200 “trench gun” with a late 1960s-vintage M1917 bayonet attached and a Stevens Model 77 E “riot gun.”
The Model 37 was used by the United States Armed Forces in World War II, the Korean War, and especially the Vietnam War, where it gained a great reputation for reliability in the jungles of Vietnam when generally used by special and special operations forces like the Navy SEALs and Army Green Berets.
I am confident you will be intrigued
Was the Remington 870 used in Vietnam?
The answer is: Remington Military Shotguns
Model 870 Riot Guns were standard issue to many American soldiers and Marines in Vietnam and were a favorite weapon for close-quarters firefights.
What 12 gauge was used in Vietnam?
Answer to this: The most common type of combat shotgun ammunition issued during the early stages of the Vietnam War was World War II-vintage “M19” shells. These were all-brass 12-ga.
Were shotguns effective in Vietnam?
Response: The effectiveness of shotguns in jungle was not lost on the American troops in Vietnam. At first, leftover World War II models were used, but eventually new weapons were acquired. Leftover ammunition was used as well, although much of it had been rendered useless due to corrosion.
What shotgun was banned in war?
Answer will be: The Model 1897 was so effective, and feared, that the German government protested (in vain) to have it outlawed in combat. The Model 1897 was used again in World War II by the United States Army and Marine Corps, where it was used alongside the similarly militarized version of the hammerless Model 1912.
What type of shotguns went to Vietnam?
As an answer to this: Anyway, I’m sure many types of shotguns found their way to Vietnam, from Remington 870s to Winchester Model 12s and everything else. Hell, my dad once told a story of a guy that pulled out a S&W .44 Magnum and clunked it on the table during a poker game, bragging that he had "a pair of fours". Stamp collecting is my hobby.
What type of shotgun does the Army use?
Remington Model 31 – pump-action shotgun used by the US Army, the SEALs and the ARVN. Remington Model 870 – pump-action shotgun, main shotgun used by Marines, Army, and Navy after 1966. Remington 7188 – experimental select fire shotgun, withdrawn due to lack of reliability. Used by US Navy SEALs
What was a shotgun used for in WW1?
Answer will be: Shotguns were used as an individual weapon during jungle patrol; infantry units were authorized a shotgun by TO&E (Table of Organization & Equipment). Shotguns were not general issue to all infantrymen, but were select issue weapons, such as one per squad, etc. Ithaca 37 – pump-action shotgun used by the United States and ARVN.
When did American soldiers use shotguns?
The use of shotguns by American fighting men predates the American Revolution when smooth-bore flintlock “fowling pieces” saw some combat use, primarily by irregular troops. Shotguns continued to see a surprising amount of military use, albeit “informally,” during the War Between the States and into the “Indian Wars” period.
What shotguns were used in Vietnam?
Answer to this: After the United States’ withdrawal from Vietnam, combat shotguns remained a part of our armed forces’ inventory. Some of those used in Vietnam, especially the Ithaca “S-prefix” and Stevens M77E shotguns, are seldom encountered today because the majority were left in Southeast Asia.
What type of shotgun does the Army use?
As a response to this: Remington Model 31 – pump-action shotgun used by the US Army, the SEALs and the ARVN. Remington Model 870 – pump-action shotgun, main shotgun used by Marines, Army, and Navy after 1966. Remington 7188 – experimental select fire shotgun, withdrawn due to lack of reliability. Used by US Navy SEALs
What was a shotgun used for in WW1?
Shotguns were used as an individual weapon during jungle patrol; infantry units were authorized a shotgun by TO&E (Table of Organization & Equipment). Shotguns were not general issue to all infantrymen, but were select issue weapons, such as one per squad, etc. Ithaca 37 – pump-action shotgun used by the United States and ARVN.
When did American soldiers use shotguns?
As a response to this: The use of shotguns by American fighting men predates the American Revolution when smooth-bore flintlock “fowling pieces” saw some combat use, primarily by irregular troops. Shotguns continued to see a surprising amount of military use, albeit “informally,” during the War Between the States and into the “Indian Wars” period.